James “Jim” Horn, president of the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation, will retire this August after 10 years leading the nonprofit.
Horn, 72, cited age and wanting to enjoy his personal life as reasons for stepping down, noting the foundation is in good shape.
During his tenure, Horn developed collections, conservation, and archaeology programs, expanded education, and brought new exhibits to the site.
Key achievements included the excavation of early leaders’ graves, the discovery of a silver reliquary box, and finding the footprint of the 1617 church.
Horn’s leadership was credited with significant archaeological discoveries and improving visitor experience and the historic church.
A major challenge for the successor will be protecting the site from rising sea levels and flooding, a $40 million effort that recently received $8 million from the state.
Horn plans to remain involved as chief historian for genetics research on the 1607 burial ground and write more books.
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